The nose and mouth provide warmth, moisture and filtration for the air we breathe. Having a tracheostomy tube, however, by-passes these mechanisms so humidification must be provided to keep secretions thin and to avoid mucus plugs.

Why is humidification of air important?

Adequate humidification is vital to maintain homeostasis of the airway. To reduce the damage of the upper respiratory tract through cooling and dehydration inspiratory air can be heated and humidified, thus preventing the serious complications.

Do all trach patients need humidification?

Humidification is a crucial part of tracheostomy care, across the continuum of care. Humidification is necessary because the normal humidification and filtration system is bypassed with the tracheostomy tube. Therefore air inspired by the patient with a tracheostomy will be cold and dry.

Why and when would humidification or Nebulisation be used with an artificial airway?

It is mandatory that a method of artificial humidification is utilised when a tracheostomy tube is in situ, for people requiring oxygen therapy – ‘dry’ oxygen should never be given to someone with a tracheostomy or laryngectomy. The type of humidification will be dictated by the needs of the patient.

Will a humidifier help with a tracheostomy?

Put an ultrasonic nebulizer or cool-mist humidifier where you sleep to help keep the air moist. Some people do well with a heat moisture exchanger (HME) device. This fits over the tracheostomy tube and helps trap moisture.

Why does air need to be warmed and humidified?

The Nose or Nasal Cavity As air passes through the nasal cavities it is warmed and humidified, so that air that reaches the lungs is warmed and moist.? This helps to keep the air entering the nose from drying out the lungs and other parts of our respiratory system.

Why is it important for air to be moist when it enters the lungs?

Why is it important for air to be moist when it enters the lungs? It is very important for air to become moist because the epithelial membranes of the alveoli must be moist for gas exchange to occur. Also, if they become dry and crack, vital tissues and become damaged and bacterial infections can occur.

What is humidification in tracheostomy patient?

Humidification. Humidification means the amount of moisture in the air that your child breathes in. If the air is dry, it will dry out the mucus in the lungs and trach tube. If the air your child breathes is humidified (moist), the mucus will absorb this moisture and stay thin.

Can you drink water with tracheostomy?

Encouraging fluid intake is helpful for a patient with a tracheostomy. Increased fluid intake will thin and loosen secretions making coughing and suctioning easier. Always observe the patient while eating to be sure food does not get into the trach.

Why is humidification required for oxygen being delivered to an artificial airway?

1. Humidification is required for oxygen being delivered to an artificial airway because the artificial airway bypasses the normal filtering and humidification process of the nose and mouth.

Why is it important to provide warm humidity to a patient with a tracheostomy?

The nose and mouth provide warmth, moisture and filtration for the air we breathe. Having a tracheostomy tube, however, by-passes these mechanisms so humidification must be provided to keep secretions thin and to avoid mucus plugs.

How do you stop a tracheostomy cough?

Coping with dry air. This can cause irritation, coughing and excess mucus coming out of the tracheostomy. Putting small amounts of saline directly into the tracheostomy tube, as directed, may help loosen secretions. Or a saline nebulizer treatment may help.

How do you clear mucus from a tracheostomy?

Removing mucus from trach tube without suctioning

1. Bend forward and cough.
2. Squirt sterile normal saline solutions (approximately 5cc) into the trach tube to help clear the mucus and cough again.
3. Remove the inner tube (cannula).
4. Suction.
5. Call 911 if breathing is still not normal after doing all of the above steps.

How do you reduce tracheostomy secretions?

Ways to keep secretions thin and loose

1. Fill your bathtub with hot water. Sit in the steam-filled bathroom for 20 minutes.
2. Put moist gauze over your tracheostomy tube.
3. Stand in the shower with the water pointed away from your tracheostomy tube.
4. Fill a spray bottle with new saline solution.